The thing is season 1 is like a short summary of the hell created by Clough, he could have gotten justice by either sending Aeroc to jail or killing him, but his revenge was twisted.
The next two arcs are both in the pov’s of the Au version of both original characters, in vol 2-3 it’s Aeroc’s return told in Clough’s pov. So we get to understand Clough as a person, and to our great disappointment, he is a selfish, coward, arrogant, homophobic with a huge inferiority complex towards Aeroc. S2 gives you an idea what’s running in Clough’s head, how it reflects his actions in s1. He was frustrated by his desires for Aeroc, he wasn’t mentally loyal to Rapiel, causing him to be angry at Aeroc. He created fictitious things to hate about Aeroc. In w1 Aeroc offered sex so he’s a deviant. In w2 Aeroc was being touched by other alphas, he must be damn easy. It makes you see that this is the same internal conflict Clough has in s1, but because his hatred had no basis, he picks at Aeroc’s flaws instead in s2 from his lack of sense in money to his relationships. In s1 Clough made it his mission to antagonize Aeroc, because to him, Aeroc was dirty perverted alpha who wants to sex with other alphas. He needs someone to punish for his desires, let’s take a swing at Aeroc.
In s3(?) vol 5 Clough’s return is told in pov of Aeroc. Clough who thought it was hell, assaulted the clueless Count, changing the course of events.. Aeroc didn’t fall in love with him, he got scared. You learn that Aeroc is actually nice, which is sad. He is well-loved and liked, a lot of people care for him. But because of how he raised, you can’t show weakness or emotions, he doesn’t show emotions unless provoke.. which happens because Clough kept trying to re-enter Aeroc’s life. The problem with bottling up your emotions, you’re like a bomb waiting to explode and this happens again. But unlike in w1 Aeroc’s hatred was directed at Rapiel, in w3 is was directed at Aeroc’s lack of understanding in sex… so it’s directed at himself for allowing himself to be played.
The fun part about reading this story especially the novel, it’s like a puzzle, you get to understand why this and that happened. You’ll see the world in the eyes of both AU, so you explore their true nature.
The omegaverse lore of this world is extremely fricked up, but interesting. I did wish they explored the victorian area more and the other side characters, as much the story focuses on Clough and Aeroc.
This manwha just kinda sucks, I thought it would turn around after the first timeline but hasn't.
There's just so much homophobia, rape, and other terrible shit. And while it is Victorian era and the author doesn't romantize it, the amount of it shown feels a bit unnecessary and iffy. Kloffs internalized homophobia is also very intense and his weird rape fantasies are so fucking weird, he just not a likeable character in the slightest. Aeroc also isn't likeable either really.
The chemistry between the two main characters is terrible, Im not picking up any. The dialogue and writing also just seems so meh.
Like I just genuinely can't enjoy reading this.
I mean maybe it gets better, idk, haven't read the novel.